Households Turn to Tradespeople to Tackle Rising Energy Costs

• 91% of tradespeople have dealt with a customer enquiry relating to an energy-saving product or solution in the last 12 months
  
  
• 76% of tradespeople believe homeowners are more concerned about energy prices than they were last year 

The recent energy cap rise continues to put pressure on family finances, and consumers are increasingly turning to a trusted source of practical help - the UK's tradespeople.

New research from omnichannel retailer Screwfix reveals that more than nine in ten (91%) tradespeople surveyed have dealt with a customer enquiry relating to an energy-saving product or solution over the last year.

The survey of 391 tradespeople* highlights the concern among households about the financial impact of energy prices. More than three quarters (76%) of tradespeople say their customers seem more worried about their household energy bills now than they were last year.

That concern is translating into an expectation of further demand for energy-saving improvements. Nearly half (47%) of tradespeople predict demand for energy-efficient products will be higher during the winter months ahead than in the previous year, with only 3% thinking it will be lower.

Despite the clear and growing appetite for energy-saving improvements, the research also identifies several barriers preventing households from acting.

More than four in ten (42%) tradespeople identified upfront cost as the biggest barrier to customers adopting energy-saving measures. Other factors holding consumers back include uncertainty over the level of savings that could be achieved (13%) and a perceived lack of government support and incentives (12%).

However, the findings also demonstrate that consumers are actively seeking solutions. LED lighting, solar panels, smart thermostats/smart heating and loft insulation, were cited as the most enquired about solutions from the last 12 months.

For tradespeople, this creates an important opportunity to support customers not only by carrying out the work itself, but also by helping them understand the options and any financial support available, identify practical improvements and make informed decisions about the changes that could work for their homes.

Max Britten, Managing Director at Screwfix, said: “Once again, the day-to-day experiences of the UK's tradespeople provide a valuable insight into how households are thinking about the energy efficiency challenge and the steps they are taking to address it. They are at the forefront of helping homeowners understand the changes they can make to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use.

“At Screwfix, our job is to make that process as straightforward as possible, which is why we're bringing together a range of energy-saving solutions and making them easier to find on our app, online and in store.

“We're committed to helping tradespeople get every job done quickly, affordably and right first time. That support matters more than ever as they help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce energy costs." 

To find out more about Screwfix's range of energy saving products, visit:https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/energy-saving

*Survey of 391 tradespeople conducted in September 2026

Source : Screwfix

Image : Screfix

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